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This major psychological work presents a brilliant new concept
of human nature, of mental health and illness, and of the conditions
necessary for the achievement of mental well-being. Nathaniel Branden
breaks radically with the mainstream of contemporary psychology,
challenging and rejecting the basic premises of both psychoanalysis and
behaviorism. his book is a revolutionary contribution to man's
understanding of himself.
From the introduction to The Psychology of Self-Esteem
The central theme of this book is the role of self-esteem in
man's life: the need of self-esteem, the nature of that need, the
conditions of its fulfillment, the consequences of its frustration —
and the impact of man's self-esteem (or lack of it) on his values,
responses, and goals.
Virtually all psychologists recognize that man experiences a
need of self-esteem. But what they have not identified is the nature of
self-esteem, the reasons why man needs it, and the conditions he must
satisfy if he is to achieve it.
Virtually all psychologists recognize, if only vaguely, that
there is a relationship between the degree of a man's self-esteem and
the degree of his mental health. But they have not identified the
nature of that relationship, nor the causes of it.
Virtually all psychologists recognize, if only dimly, that
there is some relationship between the nature and degree of a man's
self-esteem and his motivation, i.e. his behavior in the spheres of
work, love, and human relationships. But they have not explained why,
nor identified the principles involved. Such are the issues with which
this book deals.
If the science of psychology is to achieve an accurate portrait
of man, it must, I submit, question and challenge many of the deepest
premises prevalent in the field today — must break away from the
anti-biological, anti-intellectual, automaton view of human nature that
dominates contemporary theory. Neither the view of man as an
instinct-manipulated puppet (psychoanalysis), nor the view of him as a
stimulus-response machine (behaviorism), bears any resemblance to man
the biological entity whom it is the task of psychology to study: the
organism uniquely characterized by the power of conceptual thought,
propositional speech, explicit reasoning and self-awareness.
This work serves as the theoretical foundation for much of Branden's later writings.
Originally published in 1969.
* A limited number of autographed copies are available from the Branden Institute in hardcover (32.95) only.
Please note: Prices include a shipping-fee of $3.00 for U.S. customers. All others, please inquire.
Send orders to:
Fax: (310) 271-6808
Email: orders@nathanielbranden.com
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